Chicken leg quarters are a tasty and budget-friendly cut of poultry. They combine the thigh and drumstick for a juicy, flavorful meal. With the right recipes, you can turn this simple cut into delicious dinners your family will love.

These 15 chicken leg quarter recipes offer easy ways to cook this versatile cut. You’ll find options for baking, grilling, and slow cooking. The recipes use different seasonings and cooking methods to create a variety of flavors. Whether you like spicy, tangy, or savory dishes, there’s a recipe here for you.

1. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

Lemon herb grilled chicken leg quarters are a tasty and simple meal. You can make them easily with just a few ingredients.

Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Coat the chicken quarters in this mixture and let them sit for a while.

Grill the chicken on medium heat. Turn it every few minutes to cook evenly. The skin should get crispy and golden brown.

The lemon adds brightness to the meat. The herbs give it a fresh flavor. You’ll end up with juicy chicken that’s full of taste.

This dish works great for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners. Serve it with a salad or grilled veggies for a complete meal.

2. Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Quarters

You’ll love this tasty honey mustard chicken recipe. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, and spices in a bowl.

Trim any excess fat from the chicken quarters. Brush them with the honey mustard mixture, coating both sides well.

Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 60-75 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

3. Spicy BBQ Chicken Quarters

Spicy BBQ chicken quarters are a tasty twist on a classic dish. To make them, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

Mix your favorite BBQ sauce with hot sauce or cayenne pepper to create a spicy blend. Brush this sauce over the chicken quarters, making sure to coat them evenly.

Bake the chicken for about 45 minutes. Then, brush on more sauce and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. This extra step adds flavor and creates a sticky glaze.

Your spicy BBQ chicken quarters are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your zesty, finger-licking meal!

4. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Chicken Quarters

Garlic Parmesan roasted chicken quarters are a tasty and simple dish. You’ll love the rich flavors of garlic and cheese on juicy chicken.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Mix grated Parmesan, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Brush the chicken quarters with olive oil. Then coat them with the Parmesan-garlic mixture. Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet.

Roast for about 45-50 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner. Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

5. Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Quarters

Buttermilk fried chicken quarters are a tasty treat that you can make at home. Start by soaking the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.

Next, coat the chicken in a mix of flour and spices. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.

Carefully place the coated chicken quarters into the hot oil. Fry for about 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the coating crispy. Enjoy your homemade crispy buttermilk fried chicken quarters!

6. Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Quarters

Teriyaki glazed chicken quarters offer a tasty twist on a classic dish. You’ll love the sweet and savory flavors of this Japanese-inspired recipe.

To make it, start by seasoning your chicken quarters with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear them in a hot, oven-safe pan until golden brown.

Next, prepare the teriyaki sauce. Mix soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and garlic in a saucepan. Heat and stir until it thickens.

Brush the sauce onto the chicken quarters and bake them in a 400°F oven. Baste the chicken with more sauce every 15 minutes for extra flavor.

The result is juicy chicken with a glossy, flavorful coating. Serve it with rice and veggies for a complete meal.

7. Mediterranean Marinated Chicken Quarters

Mediterranean flavors bring these chicken quarters to life. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and rosemary for a zesty marinade. Coat the chicken and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the marinated quarters on a baking sheet. Roast for about 45 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.

Serve your Mediterranean chicken with a Greek salad and tzatziki sauce. The bright flavors and juicy meat will transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.

8. Buffalo Chicken Leg Quarters

Buffalo chicken leg quarters bring the classic wing flavor to a heartier cut of meat. You’ll love this tasty twist on a favorite.

To make them, coat the leg quarters with a mix of hot sauce, melted butter, and honey. This creates a spicy-sweet glaze that clings to the chicken as it cooks.

Bake the quarters in a hot oven until the skin turns crispy and the meat is cooked through. The result is juicy chicken with a zesty kick.

Serve your buffalo chicken leg quarters with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for dipping. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for game day or any casual get-together.

9. Soy Ginger Braised Chicken Quarters

Soy ginger braised chicken quarters offer a flavorful Asian-inspired dish. To make this recipe, you’ll need chicken quarters, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a few other ingredients.

Start by searing the chicken quarters in a Dutch oven until the skin is golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Next, sauté minced ginger and garlic in the same pot. Add soy sauce, rice wine, and a touch of sugar to create a savory-sweet braising liquid.

Return the chicken to the pot and let it simmer in the sauce until fully cooked and tender. The meat should easily pull away from the bone.

Serve your soy ginger braised chicken quarters with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a satisfying meal.

10. Maple Dijon Chicken Quarters

Maple Dijon chicken quarters offer a tasty mix of sweet and tangy flavors. You’ll love how the maple syrup and Dijon mustard combine to create a delicious glaze.

To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Place the chicken quarters in a baking dish. Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and some herbs in a bowl.

Brush the maple-Dijon mixture over the chicken. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.

For extra flavor, you can add some garlic or soy sauce to the glaze. This recipe works well with roasted vegetables like potatoes and carrots on the side.

11. Smoked Paprika Chicken Leg Quarters

Smoked paprika gives chicken leg quarters a rich, smoky flavor. Mix it with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper for a simple dry rub.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mix all over the quarters, getting under the skin too.

Smoke the chicken at 225°F for about 2 hours. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. The skin will be crispy and the meat juicy and flavorful.

Pair these smoked paprika chicken quarters with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a tasty meal.

12. Chili Lime Chicken Quarters

Spice up your dinner with chili lime chicken quarters. This zesty dish combines tangy lime and spicy chili for a flavor-packed meal.

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Mix chili powder, lime juice, garlic, and oil to make a marinade. Coat the chicken quarters in this mixture.

Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet. Cook for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

The result is juicy chicken with a crispy, flavorful skin. Serve with rice and veggies for a complete meal. You’ll love the bold taste of these chili lime chicken quarters.

13. Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken Quarters

You can make tasty BBQ chicken quarters in your oven. Start by preheating the oven to 400°F. Pat the chicken dry and rub it with oil and seasonings.

Place the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet. Cook for about 35-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For extra flavor, brush BBQ sauce on the chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

This method gives you juicy chicken with crispy skin and a nice BBQ taste. It’s an easy way to enjoy BBQ flavor without a grill.

14. Balsamic Glazed Chicken Quarters

Balsamic glazed chicken quarters offer a tasty twist on a classic dish. You’ll love the rich, tangy flavor the glaze adds to the meat.

To make this recipe, preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the chicken quarters on a lined baking sheet. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt.

Mix balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a saucepan. Boil, then simmer for 20 minutes to create a glaze. Let it cool before using.

Bake the chicken for about 45 minutes. Brush the glaze on during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The result is juicy chicken with a delicious balsamic coating.

15. Cajun Spiced Chicken Quarters

Cajun spiced chicken quarters bring bold flavors to your dinner table. Start by mixing Cajun spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and oregano.

Rub the spice mix all over the chicken quarters. Let them sit for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the seasoned chicken on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the meat reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end. Let it rest before serving. Enjoy your spicy, flavorful Cajun chicken quarters!

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Leg Quarters

Chicken leg quarters offer a tasty and nutritious option for your meals. They pack a lot of good stuff your body needs to stay healthy and strong.

High Protein Content

Chicken leg quarters are packed with protein. You’ll get about 25 grams of protein from one cooked quarter. Protein helps build and repair your muscles. It also keeps you feeling full longer.

Protein is key for growing kids and active adults. Your body uses it to make enzymes and hormones too. Chicken leg quarters give you a big protein boost without too many calories.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

You’ll find many important vitamins and minerals in chicken leg quarters. They’re rich in B vitamins, which help your body turn food into energy. These quarters also have iron, which your blood needs to carry oxygen.

Zinc in chicken leg quarters supports your immune system. You’ll get some vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin too. The dark meat has more iron and zinc than white meat.

Chicken leg quarters also give you selenium. This mineral acts as an antioxidant in your body. It helps protect your cells from damage.

Cooking Techniques

Chicken leg quarters can be prepared using various methods to achieve delicious results. Each technique brings out unique flavors and textures in the meat.

Baking and Roasting

Baking chicken leg quarters is a simple and hands-off way to cook them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. Place the quarters in a baking dish and cook for about 45-50 minutes.

For crispy skin, try roasting at a higher temperature. Set your oven to 425°F (218°C). Cook the chicken for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

To keep the meat moist, you can baste it with its own juices or add a bit of broth to the pan. This creates a flavorful sauce as it cooks.

Grilling

Grilling chicken leg quarters adds a smoky flavor and creates a crispy exterior. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken with a dry rub or marinade.

Place the quarters on the grill, skin side down. Cook for about 10-12 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

For extra flavor, you can baste the chicken with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Be careful not to add it too early, as the sugar in the sauce can burn.

Slow Cooking

Slow cooking chicken leg quarters results in tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. Add your seasoned quarters to a slow cooker with some vegetables and broth.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become very tender.

You can also make a flavorful sauce in the slow cooker. Try adding tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a tasty Italian-style dish. Or use soy sauce, ginger, and honey for an Asian-inspired meal.

Flavor Pairings

Chicken leg quarters pair well with a variety of flavors. The right herbs, spices, marinades, and sauces can take your dish from good to great. Let’s explore some tasty options to enhance your chicken.

Herbs and Spices

Fresh herbs can add brightness to chicken leg quarters. Try rosemary, thyme, or sage for a classic taste. Dried herbs work too – oregano and basil are popular choices. For a bolder flavor, use spices like paprika, cumin, or garlic powder.

You can make a simple rub with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Mix them together and pat onto the chicken before cooking. This will create a flavorful crust.

Don’t forget about citrus zest! Lemon or orange zest can add a fresh, tangy note to your spice mix.

Marinades and Sauces

Marinades are a great way to add flavor and moisture to chicken leg quarters. A basic marinade might include oil, acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), and seasonings.

Try a Greek-inspired marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. For an Asian twist, mix soy sauce, ginger, and honey.

Sauces can be brushed on during cooking or served on the side. BBQ sauce is a classic choice for grilled chicken. For a tangy option, try a mustard-based sauce.

You can also make a simple pan sauce after cooking. Use the chicken drippings, add some broth and herbs, and simmer until thickened.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken leg quarters are versatile and pair well with many sides and wines. The right accompaniments can elevate your meal and create a balanced dining experience.

Complementary Side Dishes

Roasted vegetables make a great match for chicken leg quarters. Try pairing them with carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. These veggies can roast alongside the chicken, saving you time and effort.

Grains and starches also work well. Serve your chicken with fluffy rice pilaf, creamy mashed potatoes, or hearty quinoa. These sides soak up the flavorful juices from the chicken.

For a lighter option, toss together a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through the richness of the chicken. You can also try a crunchy coleslaw or a zesty corn salad for added texture.

Wine Pairings

White wines often complement chicken dishes nicely. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay can balance the flavors of your meal.

If you prefer red wine, opt for lighter varieties. Pinot Noir or Gamay work well with chicken leg quarters. These reds won’t overpower the meat’s taste.

For barbecue or spicy chicken recipes, try a slightly sweet Riesling. Its fruity notes can cool down heat and complement smoky flavors.

Rosé is another good choice, especially for summer meals. Its versatility makes it suitable for various chicken preparations.